In the first level of obedience, called novice, the dog is expected to do a heeling pattern on and off lead, a recall off lead, and a stand for exam, an exercise where the dog must stand still while the judge “pets” the dog with the handler standing six feet away. The last exercise is a sit-stay for one minute, and a down stay for three minutes, with the handler in the ring 30 feet away. To earn a novice title, called a CD, the dog and handler must earn 170 out of 200 points under three different judges.
In the second level, called open, the competition gets more complicated as every exercise is done off lead. A heeling pattern, including a figure 8, is done first. A recall is performed with the dog being asked to do a down stay part of the way back to the handler and then return to the front of the handler. Next is a retrieve of a dumbbell on the flat and over a jump. Finally the dog must jump a “broad jump”, which is a series of flat boards which increase in height, and then must turn and come back to the handler. The dog must successfully complete the exercises under three different judges. Again, the team must earn 170 out of 200 points to pass at each trial. Three successful tries and the team earns a CDX.